Paris is always full of exciting things to do with kids, and December is no exception! Even with chilly weather, occasional rain, or a dusting of snow, the city comes alive with festive events and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for indoor adventures to escape the cold, outdoor strolls through festive lights, or immersive exhibitions that will keep the little ones wide-eyed, there’s something for every family.
I’ve rounded up my favorite activities, events, and experiences to enjoy with your family in Paris this December. I update these guides every month with the latest events, so be sure to check back for the newest things to do in Paris with kids next month.
- 1. Celebrate the Moomins' 80th anniversary at the Petit Palais
- 2. Go ice skating outdoors at Parc André Citroën
- 3. Go ice skating indoors at Grand Palais
- 4. Watch Santa’s True Story” at the Grand Hôtel des Rêves
- 5. The Luminous Odyssey at Parc Floral
- 6. My First Nutcracker (“Mon Premier Casse Noisette”)
- 7. Take a themed cooking class at Chez Bogato
- 8. Lantern Festival: “Japan in Lights” at Jardin d’Acclimatation
- 9. Visit a Christmas Market in Paris
- 10. Walk along Lumières en Seine
- More on Paris
1. Celebrate the Moomins’ 80th anniversary at the Petit Palais
On 6-7 December, the Petit Palais is marking Finland’s national holiday with a free weekend of activities built around the Moomins, the gentle, hippopotamus-like trolls created by Finnish writer and illustrator Tove Jansson, loved for their cosy adventures and quiet wisdom. It’s a lovely tie-in with the museum’s current exhibition on Finland, and a fun way for kids to step into a Nordic winter for an afternoon.
From 1:30pm to 5:30pm, the South Pavilion becomes a family space where children ages 3+ can join the Getting Ready for Winter with the Moomins workshop. Expect colouring pages, drawing tables, and simple creative activities, along with the chance to meet the Moomin mascots in person.
In the auditorium, free (first-come) screenings of Moominvalley in Wintertime and a storytelling session of The Moomins’ Wild Winter run from 1:30pm to 5pm, also suitable for ages 3+. The stories are brought to life by actor and director Maximilien Morgan from the LAMA collective.
Families can also explore Pekka Halonen, An Ode to Finland with a self-guided trail designed for children ages 6–10, following Pyry, a mischievous snowflake who leads them from artwork to artwork.
Where: Av. Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris
When: 6-7 December 2025
Tickets: Free and no reservation required for the Moomins activities. You can buy tickets here for the temporary exhibition on Finnish painter Pekka Halonen.
2. Go ice skating outdoors at Parc André Citroën
If you’re looking for a festive outing that feels instantly wintry, the open-air ice rink at Parc André Citroën is back and this year’s edition is bigger, brighter, and even more delicious. From 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, families can glide across real ice, warm up with treats, and soak up the holiday atmosphere in one of Paris’s most modern parks.
The rink itself is impressive: 600 m² of real ice, with a dedicated 100 m² children’s area designed for younger skaters who need a bit more space and confidence. Sessions last around 45–60 minutes, and skates are included in the entry price (with children’s sizes available). Kids under 3 skate for free, and families can bring their own skates if they prefer. Just note that gloves are mandatory but you can pick up a pair at the entrance for €3.
There is a gourmet village that lines the edge with warm, comforting treats: pancakes, waffles, churros, hot chocolate, and even a raclette counter and chip bar. As the sun sets, the park lights up with Christmas decorations, and some evenings turn into full-on DJ nights with disco favorites and festive classics. It’s the kind of place where you can skate under the stars, grab something warm to eat, and linger a little longer than planned.
Where: Parc André Citroën, 75015 Paris (park entry after 5:30 pm is opposite the entrance on Rue Balard)
When: until 4 January 2026
Tickets: €12 for adults and €9 for children under 8, with a small supplement for evening sessions. Buy your tickets here.
For a full rundown of ice rinks open in Paris this Christmas, check out my Christmas in Paris: A Local’s 2025 Festive Guide.
3. Go ice skating indoors at Grand Palais
One of the most iconic winter experiences in Paris is back: ice skating at the Grand Palais Éphémère. The gigantic indoor 2,700 m² ice rink is returning from 14 December 2025 to 7 January 2026. Set beneath the iconic glass dome, it’s the world’s largest indoor ice rink, and it’s a beautiful place to skate. I went last year with my kids, and while it does get busy (keep an eye out for wobbly skaters!), it’s still worth it for the setting alone. Book your time slot well in advance as it’s popular spot in Paris.
There’s a smaller, separate rink for children, which is great if they’re just finding their feet on the ice. During the day it’s family-friendly, and by night, the rink transforms into a lively space with DJs and lights.
Where: 7 Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris
When: until 7 January 2026
Tickets: Morning sessions cost €27 for adults and €15 for children; afternoon sessions cost €32 for adults and €18 for children; evening sessions cost €39 (single price). Buy your tickets here.
4. Watch Santa’s True Story” at the Grand Hôtel des Rêves
The Grand Hôtel des Rêves in the 5th arrondissement is hosting Santa’s True Story, an immersive theatrical experience designed for families. Running from 12 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, this one-hour show invites children from age 4 (and their grown-ups) to step into the origins of Santa Claus through a trail of rooms, characters, and magical sets.
Rather than a traditional stage performance, this is a journey through a dozen beautifully crafted scenes where around twenty actors guide you from one world to the next. Families follow young Santa as he prepares his very first gifts, wander into a candy factory filled with whimsy, slip through a forest of snowy fir trees, and peek inside toy workshops and Christmas Eve living rooms. After the final scene, a cosy café lets families relax with drinks and snacks before heading back out.
Spaces are limited for each timed entry, so booking ahead is highly recommended. You can also book a separate 25-minute experience for kids, where they get to go behind the scenes of the show and meet Santa Claus himself. This special experience is included in the ticket price, but you’ll need to reserve a time slot in advance. It’s exclusively for children aged 6 to 12.
Where: 47 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris
When: Until 4 January 2026
Tickets: €30 for adults and €20 for children (ages 4-15), free for under 4. Buy tickets here.
5. The Luminous Odyssey at Parc Floral
If your family loves festive evenings outdoors, The Luminous Odyssey at the Parc Floral is one of the most magical winter walks in Paris. Running from 19 November 2025 to 11 January 2026, this immersive light-and-sound trail transforms the park into a glowing world of lanterns, fantastical creatures, and larger-than-life scenery.
The route stretches for about 2 km, weaving along the lake and under trees wrapped in light. Kids and adults wander from one illuminated scene to the next: glowing hearts, dragons, giant sea creatures, African savannah animals, mischievous lemurs, and even life-size orcas that appear to leap from the ground. Hundreds of monumental lanterns fill the park, spread across five hectares, taking families from the Far North to lush jungles and on to poetic Japan. It’s suitable for all ages, stroller-friendly, and takes around 1.5 hours to walk at an easy pace.
The 2025 big novelty is a dazzling drone show, performed three times each night at 6:45pm, 7:45pm, and 8:45pm. (weather permitting). The drones mirror scenes from the trail (the North Pole, the savannah) and create a 12-minute display in the sky. Families can also catch a giant luminous bubble show at 7:30pm, 8:30pm, and 9:15pm.
The walk is open 5:30pm to 10pm. The trail is closed on some Mondays and Tuesdays: 24–25 Nov, 1–2 Dec, 8–9 Dec, 15–16 Dec, and 5–6 Jan. It’s open daily during school holidays, otherwise from Wednesday to Sunday.
Where: Parc Floral de Paris, Route de la Pyramide, 75012 Paris
When: Until 11 January 2026
Tickets: €13 for adults and €11 for children (ages 3-12), free for under 3. Buy tickets here.
6. My First Nutcracker (“Mon Premier Casse Noisette”)
No Christmas in Paris would be complete without Casse-Noisette, or The Nutcracker. This year, the British Festival Ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and dreamy sets back to Paris in a performance that captures the wonder of Christmas perfectly. You can watch the performance at the Théâtre du 13ème Art from 23 December 2025 to 3 January 2026.
Where: Le 13e Art, Place d’Italie, 75013 Paris
When: 23 December 2025 – 3 January 2026
Tickets: €41-€71 depending on seating category. Buy your tickets here.
7. Take a themed cooking class at Chez Bogato
Chez Bogato is a creative and festive pastry shop located in Marais. They are well known for creating amazing tailor-made cakes, but they also have pastry workshops throughout the year where you can learn to bake like a real pastry chef, with family or not. In fact, all pastry workshops can be purchased as gifts, so save this as an idea for a Christmas present this year.
Read my review of the Christmas baking class I took with my daughter this December here.
There are three different categories of Christmas workshops for kids:
- Teen masterclasses (for ages 10+), lasting between 1h30 and 2hrs at €45
- Kids workshops (for ages 4+), lasting for 1h30 at €45
- Parent/Child duo workshops (for ages 4+) lasting 1h30mins at €39
Chez Bogato presents various festive workshops this holiday season, including Christmas and Snowman Cupcakes, Christmas Macarons, Christmas Cookies, Decorated Christmas and Gingerbread Shortbread, Christmas Log, and Fir Tree Cake.
The store is in a lovely spot, just a short walk from the beautiful Hôtel de Ville and the BHV Marais department store. Stroll around the Marais neighbourhood and browse through wonderful shops nearby.
Where: 5 Rue Saint-Merri, 75004 Paris
When: courses run throughout the year and Christmas themed workshops are available for booking on multiple days throughout December and January.
Prices: €39-€45 per person, depending on workshop. Book your workshop here.
8. Lantern Festival: “Japan in Lights” at Jardin d’Acclimatation
Taking the kids to Jardin d’Acclimatation is the highlight of our summers in Paris. It’s the Top Paris Amusement Park for Kids, and you can easily spend a whole day here.
From 10 December 2025 to 8 March 2026, the Jardin d’Acclimatation will once again glow with its spectacular annual Lantern Festival, Japan in Lights. This year’s edition features 2,000 luminous creations celebrating the spirit of Japan. The walk unfolds in three parts, beginning in the Empire of Traditions, where torii gates, temples, and samurai figures light the way, before diving into a burst of color in the Pop-Modern Odyssey filled with manga characters and neon lights. The journey ends in the tranquil Garden of Dreams, surrounded by cherry blossoms, koi carp, and the gentle glow of Mount Fuji. Between displays, families can warm up at the food court with mochi, ramen, or a classic hot chocolate before ending the evening with a ride on the Ferris wheel for a sparkling view of Paris.
Where: Bois de Boulogne, Rte de la Prte Dauphine à la Prte des Sablons, 75116 Paris
When: 10 December 2025 – 8 March 2026
Tickets: €18 for adults, €12 for children (ages 4-11), free for under 4. Buy your tickets here.
9. Visit a Christmas Market in Paris
Parisian Christmas markets are perfect for families, often featuring carousels, ice skating rinks, and holiday-themed workshops where kids can make crafts or decorate treats. While admission is free, rides and attractions require separate tickets. Here are some of the Christmas markets open in Paris for the holidays this December which I recommend to visit with kids:
- La Villette Christmas Market: Running from 20 November to 28 December 2025, this market has a modern, playful feel, with a festive village complete with Santa’s Chalet, a skating rink, a climbing wall, and other fun seasonal activities. Nearby in La Villette, you’ll find the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, one of the Best Museums in Paris for Kids. Consider pairing your visit to the Christmas market with a trip to this museum.
- Tuileries Christmas Market: Running from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, this is a family-friendly Christmas market set within the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries. It’s one of the biggest family-friendly Christmas markets in Paris, with endless stalls selling raclette, crêpes, and mulled wine. There’s also plenty to keep children entertained – bumper cars, a giant slide, a Ferris wheel, and even an outdoor ice rink. For a dose of history and culture, pair your trip to the market with a visit to the Louvre Museum or the Musée de l’Orangerie, both just a short walk away from the Christmas market.
- Notre-Dame Christmas Market: Running from 28 November until 25 December 2025, this is one of the smaller markets in Paris, but that’s part of its charm. The focus is on local artisans and creators, so you’ll find plenty of high-quality, handmade gifts and treats made in France. It feels authentically French, without the commercial vibe you get in some of the other locations. Despite its size, there’s Santa for the kids and live music from 4pm, including Christmas choirs, jazz concerts, and brass bands.
- Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market: Running from 5 December 2025 until 4 January 2026, this small market is located on the square in front of the City Hall. Here, you’ll find Paris made gifts, food stalls and some entertainment for the kids like the carousel and interactive games for kids which are usually free of charge.
10. Walk along Lumières en Seine
Lumières en Seine is returning this year to the Domain National de Saint-Cloud with another journey of sound and light through a night time walk. Technically, it is not in Paris; Domain National de Saint-Cloud is just west on the river Seine’s banks. However, it’s within easy reach by metro. This is a more than 2km night walk with magical light installations and glowing sculptures, which will take between 1hr and 1hr 30mins to view.
Wrap up warm for this outing as you immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, passing by impressive installations accompanied by music and sounds. There is a food court where you can buy hot drinks and sweet treats.
Where: Grille Clémenceau, Saint-Cloud, 92210
When: until 11 January 2026
Tickets: €23 for adults, €18 for children (aged 3-11), free for those under the age of 3. Buy your tickets here.
More on Paris
Christmas in Paris: A Local’s 2025 Festive Guide – what’s happening across the city this December.
The Best Areas to Stay in Paris with Kids (and WHY!) – help with choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in.
Paris Itineraries with Kids – 8 free day itineraries that cover top attractions, family-friendly activities and restaurants.
What to do in Paris with kids on a rainy day – options for keeping children entertained and dry in the city.
Join me on Instagram to get more inspiration for things to do and see in Paris.
My Ultimate Guide to Paris with Kids is also packed with family-friendly tips and recommendations on things to see and do in Paris.
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